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Scranton Residents Demand Action on Dangerous Intersection

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 12:44 GMT by The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Scranton, PA - February 1st, 2026 - A growing chorus of concerned citizens in Lackawanna County is demanding immediate action to address the increasingly dangerous intersection of Main and Center Streets in Scranton. Following years of near-misses and documented accidents, residents have organized a petition garnering over 500 signatures and have recently engaged in constructive dialogue with local officials, pushing for tangible safety improvements.

The intersection, a key artery for both local and commuter traffic, has long been a source of anxiety for those who navigate it daily. Residents report frequent instances of speeding, obscured visibility, and a general lack of driver awareness - a dangerous combination contributing to a consistent pattern of collisions. While thankfully no fatalities have occurred yet, residents fear it's only a matter of time without intervention.

Lisa Thompson, a long-time resident of the area, voiced the community's escalating fears: "It's a very dangerous intersection. People treat it like a race track, especially during rush hour. We've witnessed several close calls, and it's just a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt or worse. The current conditions simply aren't safe."

The impetus for increased action stemmed from a particularly alarming incident last month, where two vehicles collided resulting in minor injuries. This spurred Mark Johnson, a local community organizer, to launch the petition and organize a meeting with city officials. "We weren't looking to place blame," Johnson explained. "We understand that city resources are finite, but ignoring this problem is no longer an option. We want to work with the city to find solutions that will make this intersection safer for everyone. We need a collaborative approach involving residents, traffic engineers, and government officials to implement lasting changes and prevent future incidents."

During the recent meeting, residents presented their petition and a detailed outline of the challenges the intersection presents. Suggestions included a variety of traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps or raised crosswalks, enhanced and more visible signage - particularly regarding speed limits and pedestrian crossings - and a comprehensive redesign of the intersection itself. Some residents advocated for a roundabout, citing its proven effectiveness in reducing collision severity, while others suggested a four-way stop or even a timed traffic light system.

The City of Scranton has responded to the public pressure, acknowledging the validity of the concerns and committing to a comprehensive traffic study of the intersection. City Councilman Robert Davies, speaking after the meeting, stated: "We take the safety of our residents extremely seriously. The traffic study will provide us with the data we need to make informed decisions and implement the most effective solutions. We are committed to working with the community throughout this process."

The study, which is expected to be completed within the next three months, will assess current traffic patterns, speed data, visibility issues, and accident history. Engineers will also evaluate potential safety improvements, considering cost, feasibility, and impact on traffic flow. The study will examine the possibility of adjusting lane configurations, improving pedestrian access, and implementing new traffic control devices.

However, residents remain cautiously optimistic. Previous promises of improvements have been made in the past, only to be stalled due to budgetary constraints or competing priorities. "We've heard promises before," said Thompson. "This time, we're hoping to see concrete action and a tangible commitment to fixing this dangerous situation. We'll be closely monitoring the progress of the traffic study and will continue to advocate for the safety of our community."

Beyond the immediate concerns at Main and Center Streets, this situation highlights a broader issue within Lackawanna County - the need for proactive infrastructure investment and preventative safety measures at potentially hazardous intersections. Several other locations throughout the county are also flagged as areas of concern by local residents, prompting calls for a county-wide review of intersection safety. The outcome of the Main and Center Street study could serve as a model for addressing these wider concerns and ensuring the safety of all Lackawanna County residents.